Samsung ranks first in 2014 EU patent applicationsThe European Patent Office reports that Samsung (SSNLF) was ranked first in number of European patent applications for 2014 with 2,541 applications filed. Philips (PHG) took second place with 2,317, Siemens (SIEGY) took third with 2,133, BASF (BASFY) took sixth with 1,530, Qualcomm (QCOM) took seventh with 1,459, Ericsson (ERIC) took ninth with 1,347, and Intel (INTC) took 10th with 1,054 applications filed.

T-Mobile releases teaser image of Samsung Galaxy S6, The Verge saysT-Mobile (TMUS) CEO John Legere released a teaser image of Samsung's (SSNLF) upcoming Galaxy S6 smartphone and also confirmed the carrier will offer the S6, reports The Verge, citing tweets and a T-Mobile website. The teaser image suggest a metal backing and curved screen edges on both sides of the phone. An official reveal is expected March 1. Reference Link

Samsung sees LoopPay tech built into smartphone hardware, TechCrunch saysSamsung will work to incorporate its recently-acquired LoopPay mobile payment technology directly into smartphone hardware, reports TechCrunch, citing statements by EVP and head of Samsung Mobile Injong Rhee. Rhee added that LoopPay is "compelling because of its coverage," as its technology allows it to work with roughly 90% of existing card payment terminals in U.S. stores. Samsung Innovation Center EVP David Eun noted the company will release new products incorporating the technology "in the near future" and hinted at the possibility of features like loyalty programs. Reference Link

Lionsgate and Samsung launch exclusive virtual reality experienceLionsgate (LGF) and Samsung (SSNLF) have teamed up to create the exclusive virtual reality experience "Insurgent- Shatter Reality". The four-minute visual work of art is a fully-immersive, 360-degree narrative experience set in the world of the upcoming feature film The Divergent Series: Insurgent.

IDC says Xiaomi outpaced Samsung for 2014 Chinese smartphone salesResearch firm IDC reports that Xiaomi achieved a 12.5% market share in China for 2014, while Samsung took second place with 12.1%. Chinese Q4 sales for Samsung fell to fifth place among smartphone makers, at 7.9% market share, down from 18.8% in 4Q13. IDC expects roughly 10% YoY growth for the 2015 smartphone market in China.